Panthers three-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly says he's not considering retiring from playing football after his second NFL concussion in as many years.

Kuechly has missed seven games in the past two years because of concussions, including the last four.

Kuechly says that while he appreciates the concern friends around the league and family have for him, he says "I'm holding off that retirement word for probably a little ways down the road. ... Whenever my opportunity comes back, I will be back out there."

Kuechly was cleared by independent physicians to play Monday night against the Washington Redskins, but head coach Ron Rivera erred on the side of caution and held him out for at least another week.